Alex Boyd

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Alex is pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and plans to join the Marine Corp after graduation. He is an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer and Aerobics Instructor at the University of Houston-Downtown. Alex is also an avid volunteer in stage setup for the UHD drama department.FITNESS CLASSES TAUGHT AT THE UHD
Alex teaches a 60-minute Boot Camp class. He uses plyometric forms of exercise, focusing on movements with added resistance for toning and increasing flexibility. This class is designed to increase agility, strength, endurance and power while challenging your entire body.WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ALEX
Alex has been involved in Martial Arts for the past ten years. After getting into fitness in order to improve his performance as a Martial Artist, he realized that fitness is something that he enjoyed by itself and branched into other forms such as biking and weight training.

Antoinette Hagger

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Antoinette is a Certified AFAA Group Exercise Instructor, a Certified Body Vibe Instructor and a Certified Group Power Instructor. Antoinette teaches Punch & Crunch fitness here at UHD. Punch and Crunch combines fighting and kickboxing with abdominal strengthening and stability exercises.

Brittney Burton

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Brittney is a senior at UHD working on a Bachelor degree in Psychology. She hopes to continue her education at Texas Woman’s University to obtain a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Brittney has been a rehab tech for 2 years and has worked in home health for 4. Currently she is an AVID tutor and student mentor for the University College at UH-Downtown. Brittney has been an active Yogi for over 7 years and a Dancer for 14. She enjoys teaching because she loves to be a part of other people’s success.FITNESS CLASSES TAUGHT AT THE UHD
Brittney’s Yoga class provides instructions on the basic yoga methods, breathing and stretching. This class involves mind-body connection which helps develop focus, balance, strength and flexibility.WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT BRITTNEY
Brittney has been a professional florist for 13 years and owns her own floral design company. She also enjoys cooking, painting, and blogging.

Cristal Garcia

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Cristal is an AFAA Certified Group Exercise Instructor. She is currently a Junior here at UHD and is pursuing a career in Physical Therapy. Cristal also won the Ms. Fitness Award at the 2014 UHD Sports & Fitness Banquet. Through her fitness classes, she would like to help others maintain reachable goals to become healthier individuals. Cristal enjoys teaching because it gives her an opportunity to motivate others to challenge themselves in a fun and fulfilling way.

FITNESS CLASSES TAUGHT AT THE UHD
Cristal teaches a total body Boot Camp class. You will get a head to toe strength and cardio workout in Cristal’s 50 minute Boot Camp class designed to increase strength, endurance and power. Cristal uses a combination of weight training and cardio routines that both trim and tone.WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT CRISTAL
Cristal’s interest in fitness began after giving birth to her daughter and gaining weight. She learned that a well-designed exercise program can help achieve a happier, healthier lifestyle.

Charlie Finch

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Charlie has over 15 years of experience leading group exercise classes and providing personal training. As a faculty member, Charlie also teaches psychology courses at the University of Houston-Downtown.

FITNESS CLASSES TAUGHT AT UH-DOWNTOWN

Charlie leads a high intensity, low impact step aerobics class with easy-to-follow choreography. Come join a class that is both fun and challenging.

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT CHARLIE

Charlie is the proud father of three boys.

Darius Battles

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Darius is pursuing a Bachelor degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Sports Nutrition and Medicine. He is both an AFAA and NASM Certified Personal Trainer at UHD Sports & Fitness. Darius enjoys teaching fitness classes because it gives him the opportunity to help multiple people achieve their fitness goals at once. Darius specializes in weight training, performance and corrective exercise.FITNESS CLASSES TAUGHT AT THE UHD
Darius teaches a 30 minute Buns & Guns class. This class is designed to sculpt chiseled arms and glutes quickly and efficiently. Darius uses a variety of workout equipment to target the arms, shoulders and lower body.WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT DARIUS
Darius was involved in sports for 10 years. He has also taken on Boxing and MMA style training to be more effective when catering to clients and their performance.

Diana Marin

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Diana began teaching Latin dance at age 17 at the University of Houston. She has taught ballet, modern dance, Mexican folkloric dancing and the art of Bollywood in Houston and Mexico City. For the past 3 years, Diana was a choreographer for the Walt Disney Company and performed various genres with the Disney dancers such as ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, b-boy, pop and Latin dance. She is a licensed Night Club Cardio instructor and a Piloxing instructor. FITNESS CLASSES TAUGHT AT THE UHD
Diana teaches Piloxing at UHD. This specialty class lends the power, speed, and agility of boxing with exhilarating dance moves and targeted sculpting and flexibility of pilates. Put it all together, and you have a muscle-toning, fat-burning workout that will make you feel physically and mentally empowered!WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT DIANA
Diana is very proud of her German, Filipino and Mexican culture. She is a professional Mexican Folkloric dancer and Semi-Pro Salsa dancer. In early March 2014, Diana participated and performed for Radio Disney Music Awards 2014 Commercial. She has performed alongside artists like Zendeya, Bella Thorn and Selena Gomez in several Disney events.

Eunice Amaya

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Eunice graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Houston – Downtown. She has worked with Harris County Department of Education with adults who want to learn English. She has also been involved in bilingual secretarial work at a law firm in Houston. Eunice has been a licensed Zumba instructor and ZIN member since April of 2014. Her first time teaching Zumba was in the Fall of 2014 at UHD.FITNESS CLASSES TAUGHT AT THE UHD
Eunice teaches a 60 minute Zumba class. This is a high-intensity, party-like and, above all, FUN workout! Her class is sure to make you sweat, work and smile.WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT EUNICE
Eunice discovered Zumba in 2010 and has stuck with it ever since. She wants her students to have a great experience with Zumba, just as she has. Eunice believes that when you enjoy your workout, it’s easier to stick with it.

Jeanette Chevalier & Denis Kojinov

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Jeanette and Denis have received extensive training and instruction from a variety of renowned U.S. and international instructors. They compete regularly throughout the Nation as Amateur ballroom dancers in International Standard and Latin (10-Dance) at USA Dance and NDCA DanceSport competitions. Denis and Jeanette are currently National 10-Dance Champions. Denis and Jeanette have a strong passion for dancing and giving back to the community.

FITNESS CLASSES TAUGHT AT THE UHD
Jeanette and Denis teach a Ballroom Latin Dance class that showcases basic ballroom and Latin steps, turns, and partnering. These instructors will keep you moving while showing you the techniques you need to shine on the dance floor.WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT JEANETTE & DENIS
Their goal is to popularize DanceSport within the surrounding community and bring Houston’s level of Ballroom and Latin dancing to the National level.

Lori Rameriez

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Lori has a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from the University of Houston-Downtown. She also holds a Certificate in Computer Networking and Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Houston Community College. Lori is pursuing a second Bachelor degree in Business Administration at UHD. She is an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, Aerobics Instructor and a Licensed Zumba Instructor. Lori is currently the Fitness Coordinator for UHD Sports & Fitness as of August 2014. FITNESS CLASSES TAUGHT AT THE UHD
Lori teaches Butts & Guts and Zumba. Butts & Guts is a 30 minute workout that will challenge your entire body while focusing on training, toning and tightening your abdominals and glutes. Zumba is a total body celebration that helps participants melt away calories while trimming and toning to upbeat rhythms. Come join the fun while getting a total body workout! WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT LORI
Lori has been an artist since the age of 5 and plays the piano, drums and guitar. Growing up, cheerleading was her focus as she dedicated 14 years to the sport.

Lynette Bonier

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Lynette holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is certified in First Aid/CPR/AED from the American Red Cross. Lynette has taught Zydeco throughout the Houston area and is the first instructor to bring this style of dancing to the University of Houston – Downtown. She enjoys teaching Zydeco because it is a great cardio workout and you are guaranteed to sweat while having lots of fun!FITNESS CLASSES TAUGHT AT THE UHD
Lynette teaches a 60 minute Zydeco class which combines unique footwork and Cajun music. This high-energy dance style incorporates elements of swing, rock, country and western, plus influences from France, Africa, the bayous and the Caribbean.WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT LYNETTE
Zydeco is Lynette’s passion. Not only is it her favorite style of dance and exercise, but it is a part of her heritage.

Nancy Ruiz

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Nancy has an Associate of Arts degree from Houston Community College. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Houston - Downtown. Nancy has taught Zumba and Boot Camp classes at large-scale gyms and teaches strength and cardio classes at UHD. She is also certified in First Aid and CPR. Her reason for teaching is to help others improve their fitness level and have a healthier lifestyle. Nancy believes that motivation is the key to success in everything you do and, as a fitness instructor, she enjoys being the motivator in the fitness life of others.FITNESS CLASSES TAUGHT AT THE UHD
Nancy teaches a 30-minute Butts and Guts class at UHD. Her class focuses on lower body, abdominal and cardio workouts in order to shred body fat and tone simultaneously.WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT NANCY
Nancy is a member in the Army National Guard. She also loves dancing and singing.

Sami Coffman

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Sami holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Business Administration from Texas State University. She was an Assistant Buyer for Palais Royal before switching to fitness. Sami is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer as well as a Night Club Cardio Certified Instructor. Her weight loss transformation and lifestyle change inspired her to want to share that lifestyle with others.FITNESS CLASSES TAUGHT AT THE UHD
Sami teaches Breathe & Stretch, Zumba and Circuit City. Breathe & Stretch is designed to improve flexibility while learning to control your breathing. Zumba is a high-intensity dance cardio class. It combines exercise with dance moves to the hottest hits. Circuit City offers a form of conditioning combining resistance training and high-intensity aerobics.WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT SAMI
Sami was born in Seoul, South Korea. She began dancing ballet and jazz at the age of 3 and was on pointe at age 9. She was a social officer for her high school drill team. During college, Sami became overweight but through proper nutrition and exercise, she lost weight and is now addicted to lifting weights.

Sophia Campos

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Sophia initially received her fitness training and certification at Bally’s Fitness. She has taught at various places including 24-Hour Fitness Center, Downtown YMCA, Chevron Oil & Gas, and more. She was one of the first fitness instructors at UHD when the university first began to offer aerobics more than 15 years ago.

FITNESS CLASSES TAUGHT AT THE UHD
Sophia’s Power Pump class works all major muscle groups. This strength and conditioning class sculpts, tones and strengthens your entire body using light to moderate barbell weights.

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT SOPHIA
Sophia has been a fitness instructor for over 20 years! Her goal is to continue for as long as possible to teach and provide fitness guidance through her classes.

Robert Henriksen

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Robert began assisting Grandmaster Kim Soo with UH physical education Karate class during the fall semester of 1987, and has taught with Kim Soo Karate ever since.

FITNESS CLASSES TAUGHT AT THE UHD
Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced martial art student, Roberts Karate class display the value of being in tune with the human body by providing the fundamentals of martial arts and an opportunity for refinement through repetition. You’ll learn self-defense techniques, which are immediately practical, as well as a strong foundation in core martial arts offensive and defensive movements.”

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ROBERT
Robert teaches high speed driver’s education at Texas World Speedway for the Porsche Club of America. He raced cars at an amateur level for several years, and had since moved into racing motorcycles.

Sarah Feye

PHILOSOPHY OF FOOD AND NUTRITION
As the campus dietitian for the University of Houston Dining Services, Sarah’s focused on promoting healthy eating and wellness in an academic setting. Sarah hopes her passion for food, nutrition and dietetics is transcendent to all of her clients. Sarah hopes to inspire her clients to eat healthfully as well as mindfully. The term “dieting” tends to be a negative word, but in fact a healthy diet can be both enjoyable and easy to maintain. As Socrates said, “food is thy medicine”.

PERSONAL INTEREST
As the campus dietitian for the University of Houston-Downtown Dining Services, Sarah is focused on promoting healthy eating and wellness in an academic setting. Sarah hopes her passion for food, nutrition and dietetics is transcendent to all of her clients. She hopes to inspire her clients to eat healthy and live mindfully.

CERTIFICATIONS
Sarah is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and is licensed in the State of Texas. Sarah also has a Master’s of Science degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Tyra Hessel

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Tyra Hessel, Ph.D. is a chemistry faculty member at the University of Houston-Downtown. Additionally, she teaches step aerobics at the Student Life Center. She has been teaching step aerobics at UHD since 2008.

FITNESS CLASSES TAUGHT AT THE UHD
Tyra’s Step Aerobics class consists of 30 minutes of cardio, 15 minutes of resistance training and 10 minutes of abs and gluts- followed by a 5 minute cool down.

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT TYRA
When she is not teaching, Tyra enjoys traveling.